Chased (Savage Men 3)

Not that I’m good for her … but at least this place, my house, will provide her comfort. She has everything she needs here, and I want her to be happy.

But how do I achieve that?

She’ll never trust me unless I do something to prove she can.

There’s only one thing she wants, which I can’t give to her.

And … her friends.

They’re still there. Right now, I can’t get them out. It would be too risky. But I did promise I’d send them a note for her, so they’d know she was safe. Maybe I can start there.

“C’mon,” I say, pushing her along.

I sit her down on the couch and pull open a few drawers until I’ve found what I’m looking for. My Polaroid.

I normally only use it for capturing the beggar’s gaze, the one they all give me before they die. I save the pictures in my personal library, and only I know the location.

But I’m going to use this Polaroid for something else now.

“Smile,” I say as I stand in front of her.

When she does, I snap the shot.

She jolts from the sound. “What was that?”

“A camera.”

After the picture rolls out, I wave it around to let it develop while I search for a pen. When her smile is visible, I ask her, “What do you want me to write on the back?”

“What do you mean?”

“For your friends,” I say. “I’m going to send them this.”

“What?” Her face suddenly lights up in a way it hasn’t before. I’ve never seen her smile like this, and it’s honestly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. “I can send them a message?”

“Yes.”

“But why?” Her eyes tear up.

I sigh and approach her, kneeling to grab her hand, which rests in her lap. “Because I want you to be happy. And if this helps to give you that, even if it’s only a small amount, then that’s enough for me.”

She nods, and her bright smile warms my heart to the point that I almost want to lean in and hug her. But I stop myself before I do and take comfort in the fact that I can at least do this for her.

“So what do you want to say to them?” I ask, licking my lips, curious as to what she’d choose.

“Hmm …” She rubs her lips together for a few seconds. “Fight. Live. Love. Never give up. You will be free.”

I stare at her for a few seconds, but she’s not laughing, nor does her expression change.

Is this what she really wants to say?

Or is it more of a mantra to herself?

Regardless, I pen it down anyway. It’s what she wants, after all. And if this small act can make a difference in her well-being, then it’s worth it.

“There,” I mumble to myself as I tuck the photograph and pen into my pocket. “I’ll have it sent out today.”

“You’d do this for me?” she asks as if she still can’t believe I’m really doing this.

“Yes,” I say, squeezing her hand a little.

Suddenly, she lunges forward, wrapping her arms around my neck and catching me by surprise.

I’m momentarily stunned, unable to even respond to her outburst.

Is she … hugging me?

Her tits squeeze up against me, and she whispers those same words again with that voice that dulls all my pain and makes me want to do things to her that I really shouldn’t.

“Thank you.”

It’s small, but it’s enough to set ablaze a fire inside me that’s not easily doused.

When she releases me again, I have trouble letting go. I yearn for the closeness, her touch… someone to hold. Someone to kiss.

Her.

I’ve wanted her since the moment I first laid my eyes on her.

I could feel it in my bones, in the air whenever she spoke.

My need for her is strong … too strong.

And before I know it, I’ve already pressed my lips to hers.

Chapter Eleven

Accompanying Song: “Hold Your Breath” by Ruelle

Syrena

When his mouth covers mine, I stop breathing completely.

My heart skips a beat.

He’s kissing me.

He’s actually kissing me.

My brain can’t even process this reasonably as my lips start to kiss him back. Feverishly. As if I’ve seriously lost my mind.

Wait … what?

I’m actually kissing him back.

My mouth quickly unlatches, and I pause, licking my lips. I can still taste him.

My body is hot and heavy as he hovers so fucking close to me that I almost start kissing him again.

But that would be insane. Why would I kiss my captor back like that?

Like I actually want it?

I frown and shake my head.

What’s wrong with me?

The silence between us is deafening as he moves back just a bit.

“Forget that ever happened.”

And suddenly, he’s gone.

Just like that.

Too far for me to touch. Too far … to change my mind.

I touch my lips and immediately pull back. They’re still buzzing, tingling with heat and desire.

What the hell?